Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-01-13


sion. say this without expressing aDy
opinion rs 10 when tbat body should meet,
or Whist action should be taken 5v It in the
premises upon is convention. Without
discussing The correctness Of the judgment
pronounced against Cluyerius | Join in the
request he be reprieyed, becaH>e ] do not
believe the testimony in the case JUS
tifed a verdict Of guilty; because 1
reasonable doubts as 10 his guilt
OF murder IN the first degree; because
by delay no injustice can be done, and
discovery OF bis innocence Is possible;
and because, II legislative interference be
proper. he should have opportunity TO
apply for il. Each branch OF the Govern
ment should always hear an appeal from it,
citizens. The case OF CluYerius l., within
my limited experience, one without prece
dent. and II the absence ~ precedent eau.
ton never defeats the euds Of justice"
Without citations from any other letters,
they are al submitted for your cOusiderJ-
tion.
Il Is not for me to suggest what the lie.
gislatufe ought TO do. | will only add that
among other things, the Legislature would
have the power to abolish capital punish.
ment, and il could enact law providing
that in cases Of great felOnies, or only in
cases punishable by death, the court in
which the accused was convicted should
have the power to grant a new trial upon
the ground Of after.discovered evidence at
any time before the execution Of Ms iudg-
ment, as well as at the time during which
the Judgment was rendered.
IcarDestly appeal for further Teprieye
OF my brothers execution for sixty days at
least. Well 1t may be said that his ca . Is
without precedent. Thousands OF citis
Of This Commonwealth sbudder with bor-
ror that he should be executed upon yer-
diet pronounced by Jury admitted not to
be properly qualified, and upon case in
sufficient TO warrant his conviction, and 50
considered 10y the abe,t iuTlsts In the STATE.
| believe my brother innocent Oi the
crime imputed 10 him, and | all
satisfied it will some day 80 appear.
Your Excellency should guard jealousy
the interest and bOnor OF this great Com
monwCalth. II It should appear that her
officers and her laws had permitted my
brothers life to DC taken without inst
cause. in a spirit Of mere bloody revenge,
Il would be too late TO remedy the inimla.
bic error. II YOU doubt for an instant,
.hcn let it be said that II you commit an error
II was on the side Of mercy. New tact,
Gre gradually becoming known. BY rc-
spite my brother will have the benefit Of
thesc-and the COmmOnW ealth also. Toe
ends Of Justice will not be imperilled, for
he will still be behind his prison bars await
ing his fate. Without tiring your Excel
lency by a prolonged personal appeal on
behalf Of myself and my aged parents,
submit all to your sober judgment.
". B. CLCyEgIUs.
The Governor took the petition under
consideration, but has not yet given any
iniimation Of what course ne proposes ID
pursue.
DECLARES HIS INNOCENCE.
About three weeks ago Cluycrlu' sent a
request to Captain Frank W. Cunningham,
who is known as Richmond siIYer-tougucd
tenor and H., sweetest ballad and bymu.
singer, asking him to come 10 the Jail and
sing TO the prisoner. Captain Cunning.
ham sang several hymns 10 The condemned
man, and has visited him frequently since
then. Tie prisoner seems Away to enjoy
the music. Tuesday AFTERNOON he presented
Captain Cunningham with al autograph
album with the following written in it.:
"CaEtain Frank W. Cunningham, let me-
say that no Word, OF mine can property
lhsuk you for the cheer and comfort you
have brought me IN my lonely hours hy
your sweet music. Whatever Others NAV
say or think, ] can say TO you ] am limo.
cent. May we an meet in Heaven. where
sorrow j. not. I'VE shall sing on that
beautiful shorci THOMAS J. CLrvERICs.
January II, 1851
A WASHINCTON-COCNTY LEGISLATORS VIEWS.
one Of the circulars sent ont by W. b.
Cluyerius 10 member, Of The LEGISLATURE
asking their lntcTccssion in behalf u hi,
brother was Yesterday sent 10 thsGoyernor
with I'M following endorsement on the
back:
GeH00l Iiihugh Ire, Echmond, Va:
Dear Sir,-I have received the lnclOspl
printed communication from w. b. Cluye-
rius. II it were proper TO DO so, do nOi
see how the Legislature could possibly give
his brother relief, a. in my judgment il
cannot control the action Of the judiciary
or the Executive in thi. matter, nor can It
pardon mm nor give him a respite, nor
grant or cause to De granted a new trial in
ms c4sc. Very respectfully yours,
\. FCLKERsON.
HANGING Gown AND CAP.
Sergeant smith yesterday purchased of
Levy ~ Davis a cloak made OF waterproof
Goods, 10 be used asa gown on the occasion
Of the hanging; also, a red-lined silk cap.
\ curtain or skirt will be- attached 20 the
cap TO fall over The head 10 hide the features
from view.